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Old St. Peter's had a rather plain brick exterior, hut the interior was adorned with precious materials, including marble
Roman columns, mosaics, and frescoes. The decorated interior contrasted with the exterior, subtly reminding the visitor
that the beauty of the inner spirit was more important than external, physical adornment. From the entrance, one's
attention was focused on the high altar, set below an enormous arch on which a mosaic depicted Christ, Saint Peter, and
the emperor Constantine with the inscription:
Because under Your guidance the world rose triumphant to the skies,
Constantine, himself a victor, built You this hall.
In the apse, where in a Roman basilica a statue of the emperor might be located (see fig. 3-101), another mosaic displayed
an enthroned Christ flanked by Saints Peter and Paul. A reference to Christ as the supreme judge is thus found at a point
where, in a Roman basilica law had been dispensed. On some churches, the cathedra, or throne, of the bishop was set in
the apse. These churches, where bishops preside, are called cathedrals.) With the support of Constantine, who probably
converted to Christianity near the time of his death, the flourishing Christian faith transformed the architectural forms and
imperial symbolism of ancient Rome.
4-14. Interior, Santa Costanza, Rome. c. 354. Commissioned by the
Roman emperor Constantine for the members of his family.